Bassist, Concert Cellist, Multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer known by pseudonym “The Griot” – Derek Menchan is, and will always be, a genuine Renaissance man.  In addition to his musical endeavors, this college instructor of the humanities, philosophy, and music is working to achieve his doctorate degree.  On breaks between semesters and studies,  Derek sequesters himself to his studio “That Mruzick Laboratories,” for what he calls his “Arts Immersion Summers.” During these periods he creates vivid and entertaining videos using the Accapella app and developing the follow up to his debut album, The Griot Swings the Classics.

“Having first played an NS bass well over 25 years ago, while window-shopping and dreaming, I will never forget the amazing feel—the action of the strings—and, man, I fell in love. Now, I am rather ecstatic to own two of them, a CR5M Upright Bass and EU6 Upright Bass.”

It’s really like Nietzsche says: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”

More on Derek . . .

Congratulations to NS Artist Lionel Dean Jarvis who recently received the Legacy Award from the African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) for his work in the Canadian community and with noted artists as Grammy Award recipient Alessia Cara, as well as bassist and music director for the Weeknd, Nelly Furtado, Enrique Iglesias, Backstreet Boys, George Clinton and Neverest.

Dean recently sat down with Raul Amandor from Bass Musician Magazine for an in-depth interview.

Catch Dean on tour with Alessia Cara in 2020 and beyond.

 

More on Dean . . .

NS Design welcomes bassist and fiddler Wayne Brewer of Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers.  Wayne’s instruments of choice are the WAV series Upright Bass and Violin.

Wayne has two Guinness Book of World Records – “The Youngest Recording Artist” AND “The Youngest Artist to perform on The Grand Ole Opry Stage”

Join them at their Friday Night Music Series in Shepherdsville Kentucky.  For tickets and more info:  https://www.brewgrass.com/

https://thinkns.com/artists/wayne-brewer/

 

Congratulations to bassist Suraaj Parab “Bassuraaj” for receiving two esteemed awards for his original compositions.  His moving and emotional  “Lilies of Remembrance” featuring the NS NXT4a Upright Bass, honored with a Bronze medal in Global Music Awards and “Bench of Frozen Memories” for receiving the Akademia Music Award of Excellence.

More about Suraaj:  https://thinkns.com/artists/suraaj-parab-bassuraaj/

The electrifying trio of Nick Villalobos, Glen McDaniel, and Zack Clark, together known as Simply Three, have been captivating audiences worldwide with high-octane performances since 2010. Be sure to catch Simply Three at upcoming appearances. Link to their website for more information on the new album Undefined: https://simplythreemusic.com/

Nick plays the NS CR5M Upright Bass in Custom Slate Gray Finish.

Check out Simply Three’s latest original song “S.O.A.”

More about Nick  . . .

Summer 2018 tour: Primus and Mastadon. Visit primusville.com for more information.

Les plays a CRM Upright Bass.

More about Les…